As most women will agree, shopping for clothes is less about purchasing a fashion outfit of need, and more about the ritual, the occasion, and sometimes even about its therapeutic effect. While shopping, as an outlet can be wonderful, oftentimes, we find ourselves lost, out of control, even addicted, and of course, with a cluttered wardrobe full of fashion outfits we never wear.

If you are seeking help and advice on how to declutter your wardrobe and stop buying fashion outfits you’ll never wear, this is your must-read piece.

It’s not all about Reading: Action is a Must

This may be a no-brainer, but cleaning out your wardrobe is the first step towards a more controlled shopping experience. We all know that outfits for women are more than clothes that cover their bodies; they are tools and aids that help make statements, increase confidence, and even reshape a woman’s perspective of her body. Which is why every piece of clothing in your wardrobe should be carefully and intentionally picked, and in this case, every remaining piece – after your wardrobe cleanse – should have a purpose.

Starting and particularly completing this first step may be the most difficult. You may face feelings of guilt, whether about the wasted money, the potential that items unworn may have brought or even about losing memories connected with each item, but keep in mind that at the end of the process awaits a simpler, more organised you – a person that will start saving money and time.

Depending on your cluttered situation, I often recommend donating about 75% of your clothes, and giving up clothes you have not touched for over two seasons.

Filling in the Gaps

Now that you have room in your closet, it’s time to identify the gaps in your fashion wardrobe. The rule is that 70 per cent of your clothes need to be the base – the foundational items – with the 30 per cent items that can top off, add some colour and shine. Take a quick peek; do you have your basic black trousers, jeans, that almost every-occasion dress? Make a note of your items; can you create complete fashion outfits? Do these outfits have a purpose; do they slim you down or give you your desired effect? Write down any items that you may need to complete the outfits and let’s move on to the next step.

Zalando

Click to Shop

Zalando

Click to Shop

Zalando

Click to Shop

Zalando

Click to Shop

Zalando

Click to Shop

Asos

Click to Shop

Asos

Click to Shop

Asos

Click to Shop

Shop for the Life you are Living

Let’s revisit your wardrobe before we start shopping. Are all your outfits fit for the life you are living, right now? Will you wear all your fashion items this year or are you holding onto that dress in the hopes of some special occasion to come? Do the majority of your clothing pieces meet your age, your profession and the climate you live in? If you have answered yes, let’s move forward, if you have answered no to at least one question, you know what you must do. Just. Let. Go.

The Staple Fashion Outfit, Otherwise Known as the “Uniform”

The “uniform” is a combination of clothing items that you find yourself wearing almost everyday. Whether it’s for work, clothes that comfort and embrace you after work, or your exercise outfits, these staples need to be separated and identified. Having a “uniform” will not only cut down on valuable dressing time, but will also direct you when shopping, thus saving you money and reducing clutter.

Your uniform should comprise of items that slim you down, work with your figure, and make you feel comfortable and confident. Eventually, they will become your go-to fashion outfits when all else fails.

Oasis

Click to Shop

Oasis

Click to Shop

Zalando

Click to Shop

Zalando

Click to Shop

Zalando

Click to Shop

Zalando

Click to Shop

Fashion Outfits for your Body Shape: Intelligent Shopping

We touched upon this topic slightly in the step above. If you haven’t been doing so, you need to start shopping for your body shape. This means, learning about which outfits work and don’t work with your figure. Once you begin to carefully choose items for your figure – those that create the right illusions to slim and thin your shape and balance your silhouette – you’ll notice a significant change in the way you shop and view shopping. Say goodbye to impulse buying and buying for the future self. As I say, when an intelligent shopping is a possibility, a de-cluttered closet becomes a reality.

Here are 5 additional quick tips on how to stop buying clothes you’ll never wear:

Do not buy clothes or items you have nothing to wear with.

At all costs stay away from and avoid last minute shopping.

Buying items just because they have a discounted price is a no-no.

Shop alone. Friends are a blessing, but not when you’re shopping.

Wishing you a de-cluttered wardrobe, and intelligent shopping for an intelligent life.

6thsenseofstyle.com is a professional affiliate website that receives compensation from the companies whose products we promote. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own.This post contains affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission off of any item purchased.